C.J. Cron’s two-run homer in ninth lifts Tigers over Reds 3-2

CINCINNATI (AP) — C.J. Cron hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Detroit Tigers got to Cincinnati’s bullpen for the second straight day in a 3-2 victory over the Reds on Sunday.

Miguel Cabrera reached on a leadoff walk before Cron connected against Michael Lorenzen (0-1), sending an opposite-field drive deep to right.

The Reds got one back when Freddy Galvis and Aristides Aquino opened the bottom half with consecutive doubles. Aquino advanced to third on Curt Casali’s fly ball to center, but Joe Jiménez got Joey Votto to bounce into a game-ending double play for his second save in two days.

José Cisneros (1-0) pitched the eighth for the win.

Cincinnati played without second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel after each player was scratched. Moustakas was placed on the injured list because he wasn’t feeling well, according to manager David Bell. No immediate reason was given for Senzel’s absence.

The moves came a day after Reds infielder Matt Davidson went on the injured list because he tested positive for COVID-19.

Cincinnati wasted a terrific pitching performance for the second straight game. Trevor Bauer matched a career high by striking out 13 in 6 1/3 innings.

Luis Castillo struck out 11 and handed a 3-1 lead over to Cincinnati’s bullpen on Saturday. But Robert Stephenson, Lorenzen and Raisel Iglesias allowed home runs in what became a 6-4 victory for the Tigers.

Cron also went deep in Detroit’s 7-1 loss on opening day, making a nice first impression after he signed with the Tigers in free agency.

The Tigers jumped in front in the series finale on Niko Goodrum’s third-inning homer. But Votto responded with a tying RBI single in the fifth.

Spencer Turnbull pitched five effective innings for Detroit in his first start since he went 3-17 with a 4.61 ERA last season. He struck out eight and issued four walks.

TRAINING ROOM

Reds: C Tyler Stephenson was recalled to take Moustakas’ roster spot. … 2B Josh VanMeter stayed in the game after he was hit on the left wrist with a pitch leading off the sixth.

UP NEXT

Tigers: RHP Michael Fulmer makes his first appearance since Sept. 25, 2018, in a start against Kansas City on Monday. The 2016 AL Rookie of the Year underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2019.

Reds: LHP Wade Miley (14-6 with Astros in 2019) makes his Cincinnati debut in the opener of a four-game series against the Cubs on Monday.